Katsidis has returned

Glen McCullough
Sports journalist
Glen was transferred to the Chronicle editorial section from the comp room in 1992. He worked initially as a racing sub-editor, sport sub-editor and paginator. He worked as a fill-in racing and sport writer during that time before moving into writing full-time.

Michael Katsidis "The Great" and his long-time former trainer and manager Brendon Smith have ended their two-year split and begun working on a 2014 ring comeback for the former two-time WBO world lightweight champion.

Smith confirmed yesterday Katsidis, 33, signed a two-year deal on Christmas Eve which will bring the once powerful force together again.

"Michael has definitely signed on," Smith said.

"He has already started on some strength and conditioning work with Tressa (Lindenberg) over Christmas and he's coming along well.

"It's a good start to the year."

Katsidis fought the world's best, including Juan Manuel Marquez, Robert Guerrero and Juan Diaz, during his heroic climb up the international ladder.

He split with Smith following his London loss to Ricky Burns in November 2011.

His only fight since resulted in a points loss to Albert Mensah in Las Vegas last April leaving his record at 28 wins and six losses.

"I understand Michael, and I understand our split," Smith said.

"But that is in the past.

"We've been through a lot together and achieved so much as a team.

"Now it's about helping Michael again to achieve his goals.

"I do my best to help all my fighters and I'm looking forward to Michael and I working together again."

Smith said a possible ring return in March has been pencilled in for Katsidis, but they are keeping their options open.

"We have a show coming up in Toowoomba in March and it's possible Michael might even be a part of it," Smith said.

"But at the moment we are exploring all our options.

"It's one step at a time and we'll make a call on things when we think the time is right."